IOC impressed with preparations

A senior International Olympic Committee official has hailed a four-day review of London 2012 facilities as "a fantastic week".

Gilbert Felli, the IOC's director of sport, headed a delegation that completed its visit at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Apart from venues in and around London itself, grounds that will host the Olympic soccer schedule such as the Millennium Stadium, Old Trafford and Coventry's Ricoh Arena also featured on the timetable.

"It has been a fantastic week for two reasons," said Felli. "First of all, we were in London to review the project and the fantastic preparations for the Games. We are confident that the organising committee, the Government and all the authorities supporting the Games will be ready.

"Secondly, it was important for us to pay a tribute to all the other cities, the football cities, preparing for the Games. The Millennium Stadium is a fantastic stadium, right here in the middle of the city. I was lucky enough to be here for the Rugby World Cup final in 1999."

Offering a general assessment of the London Games, Felli added: "The teams responsible for the construction have done a great job to be ready on time. The test events started last summer, and we have good confidence.

"The success of the event goes into the detail. You can be ready at 99%, but if you miss the last 1%, maybe you have not done a good job.

"We always try to make sure that all the pieces of the puzzle link with each other. We had a big meeting on Monday to see the operation for the opening ceremony in London, how you bring people in and how you get them out.

"A lot of work has been done, and I think at the end it will be a smooth run, not only for the athletes and people here for the Games, but also the citizens of London."